Delivery & Returns

Axis 18

Everyday organised. Equally at home in the urban jungle or the outdoor playground, the Axis 18 is ready for commute or canyon. The die cut EVA foam shoulder harness and spacer mesh backpanel both support and ventilate. The removable webbing waist belt will keep your load close and under control. The outside of the backpack has three zipped pockets, the top one incorporating a useful key clip. We've also included a bungee compression system, the perfect place to store a jacket or bike helmet. If you're looking for a laptop bag then look no further. Inside you'll find a padded laptop sleeve for the city, which can double as a hydration sleeve on the trail. Jetting off on holiday? Rest assured that the pack size conforms to maximum EU carry-on dimensions, so is ideal to use as hand luggage.

Customer Reviews

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You're reviewing: Axis 18

How do you rate this product? *

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Rating

*Nickname

*Summary of Your Review

*Review

Agus

28 Mar 2019

recommended

Fantastic purchase, got in time, and great quality. I have been using Osprey for a few years now because i think is worth it in price and quality. Im a woman so the size of the bagpack is not to big. In this bagpack, my 15" macbook fit perfectly, plus more stuff. Good amount of zip. Is a good bag for everyday or traveling.

Great product, gives fantastic support and is well put together.

I use this backpack for commuting and it has to manage my really heavy 15" MacBook Pro, plus leads, notepads, snacks etc. It's a very comfortable fit and surprisingly capacious, given that it's not bulky. It does a great job at spreading the weight away from my shoulders and lightening the load. I've reduced it by one star as I would have liked to have seen a better solution for water bottle storage - this has a side zip but even my smallest water bottle still sticks out, leaving the danger of dropping it onto other commuter's heads if I put the backpack up on the high shelf of the train. Also, would be helpful to have access to small pockets around the front - e.g. phone, purse - so that these are accessible on the Tube. I have to use coat pockets for this and it's not ideal. Still a fantastic purchase and very happy.

Hans

8 Apr 2018

Great every-day backpack - used it for two years now and is still going strong!

Summary: highly recommended!

I purchased the Axis 18 two years ago (in March 2016), and used it since then as my one-and-only everyday backpack for different kinds of activities: commuting to/from work with public transport and car, traveling to customer meetings by train/plane (including overnight accommodation), city sightseeing, weekend shopping, visiting friends and family, etc.

The bag adopted to every load I took with me: laptop with charger, change of clothes, sneakers, hygiene items, water bottle and snacks, everything I need for a day or two and during one night (for longer periods away from home the Quasar 28 would do the trick, which I own as well, but hasn't seen much usage yet).

The light weight of the pack (about 600 grams vs. 1000-1500 for similar/heavier packs) is really appreciated - as it gives me an additional kilogram of load I can carry on-board of a plane without breaking the weight limit (usually only 6-8 kilograms), and the Axis 18 is easier on my shoulders too.

The organization is great (separate laptop compartment, extra sunglasses pocket, small pockets for tissues, pens, snacks, etc.) and helps to store many small and medium sized items and keep them at hand when needed (quick access).

Compared to larger packs from Osprey I appreciate that I don't need to unbuckle any clips to access the main compartment (laptop), and that the two side pockets hide what's stored in them (compared to the mesh pockets of the DayLite/Plus for example).

I use the bungee cord to hold my gloves (winter) and wind breaker/rain jacket (summer) - and to shrink the depth of the backpack if not fully loaded, so getting a slimmer silhouette.

The shoulder straps are comfortable and are solid enough; I removed the hip belt strap (and store it in one of the small side pockets in case I need it during a longer walk), using the chest strap only occasionally.

My concern that the bottom of the bag, which is not hardened or using rubber "feet" like some other bags do, may be a weak point turned out to be needless: also after about 600+ daily usages with many "bags down" to the ground the bottom and the rest of the bag shows no signs of wear. And I often packed it to the limit and beyond - the zippers hold up to this type of stress also very well, no issue yet. Fantastic, especially for this light-weigh material!

To Osprey product management - here are my three wishes to improve this already great EDC rucksack:
1) A rain cover (stored at the bottom of the bag in a separate zip pocket, like most hiking backpacks provide) would be highly appreciated as the material is rain repellent but not rain proof). Right now i use a spare one from another bag, but lack the space to store it when not needed (= most of the time).
2) A more breathable / airflow backside would help to reduce or even prevent sweating during warm and hot days.
3) The bag provides a hole to run a tube through, but no water bladder loop or clip (like the DayLite/Plus do) - adding this should increase manufacturing costs only a little bit but would enhance the usage capabilities of this bag to be a good day-hike pack as well. To be fair: the side pockets each store a 0,5 liter plastic bottle as an alternative.

For me the Axis 18 is the almost perfect 24/7 everyday bag. It's my #1 companion, and a keeper.
Also I do a lot of bag research I have not yet come up with another bag that would be able to replace the Axis 18 for me.

Osprey Customer Service,
10/04/2018

Hi Hans,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review on the Axis 18.

It is great to hear that you have found this pack to suit a variety of activities, and that it has provided support at different load ranges.

We will ensure your feedback on the three areas of improvement is passed to our Design Team for reflection.

Regards,

Osprey Customer Service

Lianne

2 Jan 2018

Perfect pack

I've never found a bag that I love as much as my Axis 18. I've travelled around Europe for a month via train with just this bag and it fitted my laptop, camera, cuddly toy, clothes, toiletries, towel, sleeping bag liner, first aid kit, chargers, cables and my hoodie inside. It's accompanied as me a secondary bag to my Farpoint 40 throughout a 3 month camping trip through Africa and been my sole bag for not just short holidays but is my everyday bag for work, university, hiking and even just walking the dog (the whistle is great!)

This bag is a wonderful companion for any trip. Mine will be put to another big test of being my sole bag for a month travelling Mexico this summer.

It saves a fortune on checked bags on flights and its so small that you don't knock people out when you turn around with it on your back! When empty, it's extremely light and when full, it's still comfortable thanks to the many adjustable straps.

I have the older style (purchased May 2016) which is much more attractive than the newer one in my opinion however it's still a great bag and I recommend it 110%.

Matt Kay

24 Nov 2017

Excellent pack - Comfortable for long commutes

Bought this to replace my aging messenger bag and I fancied something for comfortable for carrying items to and from work. There's room for my laptop, charger, mouse, lunch and running kit (minus shoes!), as well as water bottle to fit in easily. The pack is really comfortable to use everyday and I'm happy I bought it. Also used it on long commutes when visiting offices in other cities, so it's survived long train journeys and tube travel with ease.

Also like the fact that you can remove the chest and waist straps - Not needed for commuting!

Trefor

7 Oct 2016

Great commute pack!

First, I have a slightly older (purple) version of this bag. Apart from some detailing in the top outer pocket and colour way it seems broadly the same.

I've been using this bag daily for commuting by bike in all weathers and it's frequently my weekend pack, too, for the better part of two years now. The colours are good, the materials tough and life-proof and the zips and other fittings excellent.

It isn't perfect: there's no natural home for a pump, it sorely lacks an integrated rain cover and the side pockets could be more accessible from a worn position, but it's still possible to operate the pocket zip without removing the pack to secure or access your lockup key, and the other side pocket is large enough to easily hold a spare tube and a pair of sensible LED lights big enough to actually ride by. The front pocket will comfortably hold things like puncture repair, multi tool, proper levers and maybe a micro pump or co2 if so inclined. It's also well placed so that if you keep your door pass in it you can feasibly beep your way in to a building while your hands are full and you're wearing the pack. The key loop is in this pocket, but you need the bag off to get to it so it never gets used on mine. The little phone pocket inside between your shoulders has protected my phone for all the time I've had this pack and kept it dry in poor weather (this may be luck or due to it putting the phone right against your back with anything loaded in the bag between it and outside).

The back system is good. I do end up with a sweaty back still but not as bad as other packs (I do tend to ride sprints in the morning so sweat is almost inevitable for me). The straps are comfortable for any load you could get the zips of an 18litre pack closed around (I've tried!)

Adding securing loops for a pump and a small hip pocket lanyard for keys would be excellent upgrades that would really improve day to day without seriously inflating cost of production and therefore sale.

If I was wish listing features for an ideal bag, I'd want that integrated rain cover, probably a small separated/drybagged section for clothes and a d lock holster maybe too - but adding these sort of features would add notably to the price I would think.

I've taken a look at the Radial (which is why I was on the site today) and while it does meet some of my extra wishes, the colour choice is dire and it is a much more expensive category.

Julia

7 Jul 2016

Perfect for Bike Trips and Hiking

I can't rate this pack highly enough, it's like a Tardis. I bought it for a 3 day mountain bike trip where I needed to carry spare clothes as this was an end-to-end unsupported trip. I struggle to find large enough packs with a small back to suit my 5 foot tall stature but this fitted me like a glove and was so comfortable.

There is no end to the thought that has gone into designing this pack. The main zipped compartment contained my 2 litre water bladder very comfortably and firmly, along with two sets of cycling clothes, waterproof jacket, a jersey, an inner-tube, a whole range of bike tools, chain oil, first aid kit, basic toiletries, food.

The smaller 2nd zipped compartment is excellent with mesh pockets for money, credit cards, tyre levers and small objects, with a key clip too - everything was easily accessible here and secure.

The small zipped 3rd compartment was handy for snacks and keeping my phone in.

There are also two tiny zipped pockets at the bottom of each side of the pack, again very useful for small objects to be kept handy.

I used the outer bungee strung across the back for keeping my sandals tied to the pack, I also strapped my helmet on here when I wasn't using it.

There is nothing negative to say about this pack. It was so comfortable even carrying all the kit I needed for my trip and the grab handle on top made it easy to carry around when not on the bike. The straps are padded without being too thick, and the waist and chest straps stopped the weight from jiggling around too much. Love the whistle built into the top strap buckle clip :-) ingenious. Even the zip pullers are ergonomically designed .... I could go on and on. (Oh it's great for day hiking too!)

Osprey, you nailed it for me! Thank you. (Oh and love the colours too .... )

Reviews (8)

Customer Reviews

Write Your Own Review

You're reviewing: Axis 18

How do you rate this product? *

1 star

2 stars

3 stars

4 stars

5 stars

Rating

*Nickname

*Summary of Your Review

*Review

Agus

28 Mar 2019

recommended

Fantastic purchase, got in time, and great quality. I have been using Osprey for a few years now because i think is worth it in price and quality. Im a woman so the size of the bagpack is not to big. In this bagpack, my 15" macbook fit perfectly, plus more stuff. Good amount of zip. Is a good bag for everyday or traveling.

Great product, gives fantastic support and is well put together.

I use this backpack for commuting and it has to manage my really heavy 15" MacBook Pro, plus leads, notepads, snacks etc. It's a very comfortable fit and surprisingly capacious, given that it's not bulky. It does a great job at spreading the weight away from my shoulders and lightening the load. I've reduced it by one star as I would have liked to have seen a better solution for water bottle storage - this has a side zip but even my smallest water bottle still sticks out, leaving the danger of dropping it onto other commuter's heads if I put the backpack up on the high shelf of the train. Also, would be helpful to have access to small pockets around the front - e.g. phone, purse - so that these are accessible on the Tube. I have to use coat pockets for this and it's not ideal. Still a fantastic purchase and very happy.

Hans

8 Apr 2018

Great every-day backpack - used it for two years now and is still going strong!

Summary: highly recommended!

I purchased the Axis 18 two years ago (in March 2016), and used it since then as my one-and-only everyday backpack for different kinds of activities: commuting to/from work with public transport and car, traveling to customer meetings by train/plane (including overnight accommodation), city sightseeing, weekend shopping, visiting friends and family, etc.

The bag adopted to every load I took with me: laptop with charger, change of clothes, sneakers, hygiene items, water bottle and snacks, everything I need for a day or two and during one night (for longer periods away from home the Quasar 28 would do the trick, which I own as well, but hasn't seen much usage yet).

The light weight of the pack (about 600 grams vs. 1000-1500 for similar/heavier packs) is really appreciated - as it gives me an additional kilogram of load I can carry on-board of a plane without breaking the weight limit (usually only 6-8 kilograms), and the Axis 18 is easier on my shoulders too.

The organization is great (separate laptop compartment, extra sunglasses pocket, small pockets for tissues, pens, snacks, etc.) and helps to store many small and medium sized items and keep them at hand when needed (quick access).

Compared to larger packs from Osprey I appreciate that I don't need to unbuckle any clips to access the main compartment (laptop), and that the two side pockets hide what's stored in them (compared to the mesh pockets of the DayLite/Plus for example).

I use the bungee cord to hold my gloves (winter) and wind breaker/rain jacket (summer) - and to shrink the depth of the backpack if not fully loaded, so getting a slimmer silhouette.

The shoulder straps are comfortable and are solid enough; I removed the hip belt strap (and store it in one of the small side pockets in case I need it during a longer walk), using the chest strap only occasionally.

My concern that the bottom of the bag, which is not hardened or using rubber "feet" like some other bags do, may be a weak point turned out to be needless: also after about 600+ daily usages with many "bags down" to the ground the bottom and the rest of the bag shows no signs of wear. And I often packed it to the limit and beyond - the zippers hold up to this type of stress also very well, no issue yet. Fantastic, especially for this light-weigh material!

To Osprey product management - here are my three wishes to improve this already great EDC rucksack:
1) A rain cover (stored at the bottom of the bag in a separate zip pocket, like most hiking backpacks provide) would be highly appreciated as the material is rain repellent but not rain proof). Right now i use a spare one from another bag, but lack the space to store it when not needed (= most of the time).
2) A more breathable / airflow backside would help to reduce or even prevent sweating during warm and hot days.
3) The bag provides a hole to run a tube through, but no water bladder loop or clip (like the DayLite/Plus do) - adding this should increase manufacturing costs only a little bit but would enhance the usage capabilities of this bag to be a good day-hike pack as well. To be fair: the side pockets each store a 0,5 liter plastic bottle as an alternative.

For me the Axis 18 is the almost perfect 24/7 everyday bag. It's my #1 companion, and a keeper.
Also I do a lot of bag research I have not yet come up with another bag that would be able to replace the Axis 18 for me.

Osprey Customer Service,
10/04/2018

Hi Hans,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review on the Axis 18.

It is great to hear that you have found this pack to suit a variety of activities, and that it has provided support at different load ranges.

We will ensure your feedback on the three areas of improvement is passed to our Design Team for reflection.

Regards,

Osprey Customer Service

Lianne

2 Jan 2018

Perfect pack

I've never found a bag that I love as much as my Axis 18. I've travelled around Europe for a month via train with just this bag and it fitted my laptop, camera, cuddly toy, clothes, toiletries, towel, sleeping bag liner, first aid kit, chargers, cables and my hoodie inside. It's accompanied as me a secondary bag to my Farpoint 40 throughout a 3 month camping trip through Africa and been my sole bag for not just short holidays but is my everyday bag for work, university, hiking and even just walking the dog (the whistle is great!)

This bag is a wonderful companion for any trip. Mine will be put to another big test of being my sole bag for a month travelling Mexico this summer.

It saves a fortune on checked bags on flights and its so small that you don't knock people out when you turn around with it on your back! When empty, it's extremely light and when full, it's still comfortable thanks to the many adjustable straps.

I have the older style (purchased May 2016) which is much more attractive than the newer one in my opinion however it's still a great bag and I recommend it 110%.

Matt Kay

24 Nov 2017

Excellent pack - Comfortable for long commutes

Bought this to replace my aging messenger bag and I fancied something for comfortable for carrying items to and from work. There's room for my laptop, charger, mouse, lunch and running kit (minus shoes!), as well as water bottle to fit in easily. The pack is really comfortable to use everyday and I'm happy I bought it. Also used it on long commutes when visiting offices in other cities, so it's survived long train journeys and tube travel with ease.

Also like the fact that you can remove the chest and waist straps - Not needed for commuting!

Trefor

7 Oct 2016

Great commute pack!

First, I have a slightly older (purple) version of this bag. Apart from some detailing in the top outer pocket and colour way it seems broadly the same.

I've been using this bag daily for commuting by bike in all weathers and it's frequently my weekend pack, too, for the better part of two years now. The colours are good, the materials tough and life-proof and the zips and other fittings excellent.

It isn't perfect: there's no natural home for a pump, it sorely lacks an integrated rain cover and the side pockets could be more accessible from a worn position, but it's still possible to operate the pocket zip without removing the pack to secure or access your lockup key, and the other side pocket is large enough to easily hold a spare tube and a pair of sensible LED lights big enough to actually ride by. The front pocket will comfortably hold things like puncture repair, multi tool, proper levers and maybe a micro pump or co2 if so inclined. It's also well placed so that if you keep your door pass in it you can feasibly beep your way in to a building while your hands are full and you're wearing the pack. The key loop is in this pocket, but you need the bag off to get to it so it never gets used on mine. The little phone pocket inside between your shoulders has protected my phone for all the time I've had this pack and kept it dry in poor weather (this may be luck or due to it putting the phone right against your back with anything loaded in the bag between it and outside).

The back system is good. I do end up with a sweaty back still but not as bad as other packs (I do tend to ride sprints in the morning so sweat is almost inevitable for me). The straps are comfortable for any load you could get the zips of an 18litre pack closed around (I've tried!)

Adding securing loops for a pump and a small hip pocket lanyard for keys would be excellent upgrades that would really improve day to day without seriously inflating cost of production and therefore sale.

If I was wish listing features for an ideal bag, I'd want that integrated rain cover, probably a small separated/drybagged section for clothes and a d lock holster maybe too - but adding these sort of features would add notably to the price I would think.

I've taken a look at the Radial (which is why I was on the site today) and while it does meet some of my extra wishes, the colour choice is dire and it is a much more expensive category.

Julia

7 Jul 2016

Perfect for Bike Trips and Hiking

I can't rate this pack highly enough, it's like a Tardis. I bought it for a 3 day mountain bike trip where I needed to carry spare clothes as this was an end-to-end unsupported trip. I struggle to find large enough packs with a small back to suit my 5 foot tall stature but this fitted me like a glove and was so comfortable.

There is no end to the thought that has gone into designing this pack. The main zipped compartment contained my 2 litre water bladder very comfortably and firmly, along with two sets of cycling clothes, waterproof jacket, a jersey, an inner-tube, a whole range of bike tools, chain oil, first aid kit, basic toiletries, food.

The smaller 2nd zipped compartment is excellent with mesh pockets for money, credit cards, tyre levers and small objects, with a key clip too - everything was easily accessible here and secure.

The small zipped 3rd compartment was handy for snacks and keeping my phone in.

There are also two tiny zipped pockets at the bottom of each side of the pack, again very useful for small objects to be kept handy.

I used the outer bungee strung across the back for keeping my sandals tied to the pack, I also strapped my helmet on here when I wasn't using it.

There is nothing negative to say about this pack. It was so comfortable even carrying all the kit I needed for my trip and the grab handle on top made it easy to carry around when not on the bike. The straps are padded without being too thick, and the waist and chest straps stopped the weight from jiggling around too much. Love the whistle built into the top strap buckle clip :-) ingenious. Even the zip pullers are ergonomically designed .... I could go on and on. (Oh it's great for day hiking too!)

Osprey, you nailed it for me! Thank you. (Oh and love the colours too .... )